Senior Tax Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Tax Manager

Boutique Tax & Advisory Firm (High-Touch, Growth-Focused)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Tax Manager to lead our tax review, planning, and client advisory functions within a high-growth, boutique tax and accounting firm.

This role is designed for a technically strong, client-facing leader who can own the review process, develop staff, and deliver proactive tax strategy to business owners and high-income individuals.

The ideal candidate thrives in a high-performance, relationship-driven environment and is motivated by building systems, improving processes, and elevating client experience.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Tax Review & Compliance Oversight

• Review complex business and individual tax returns (1120S, 1065, 1120, 1040)

• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and strategic optimization of all filings

• Reduce review notes and rework through team training and systems

• Maintain firm-wide quality control standards

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2. Tax Planning & Advisory

• Lead and deliver proactive tax planning for business owners and high-net-worth clients

• Identify and implement advanced strategies (entity structuring, 199A, compensation optimization, etc.)

• Collaborate with bookkeeping and CFO services to ensure planning is data-driven

• Participate in client strategy meetings and year-round advisory

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3. Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor tax staff and preparers

• Train team on technical tax matters and firm processes

• Improve staff efficiency, accuracy, and independence

• Conduct performance reviews and contribute to hiring decisions

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4. Workflow & Process Management

• Oversee return workflow from preparation to final delivery

• Identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements

• Help build scalable systems and SOPs

• Ensure deadlines are consistently met without partner intervention

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5. Client Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for key clients

• Communicate complex tax concepts in a clear, confident manner

• Build long-term client relationships through proactive communication

• Identify opportunities to expand services (bookkeeping, planning, advisory)

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Success Metrics (KPIs)

This role will be measured on:

• Review Efficiency : Turnaround time on returns

• Accuracy Rate : Reduction in reviewer corrections and rework

• Client Retention & Growth : Expansion of services within existing clients

• Realization Rate : Minimizing write-downs

• Staff Development : Team performance and independence

• Planning Revenue Growth : Increased advisory engagement

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Qualifications

Required

• 5–10+ years of tax experience in public accounting

• Strong experience reviewing business returns (S-Corp, Partnership)

• Proven experience managing staff and reviewing work

• Deep understanding of tax strategy for business owners

• Excellent communication and client-facing skills

Preferred

• CPA or EA (strongly preferred but not required)

• Experience in a boutique or high-touch firm environment

• Experience with tax planning and advisory services

• Familiarity with Thomson Reuters suite (UltraTax, Practice CS, etc.)

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Compensation & Structure

• Base Salary : $100,000-$125,000 (depending on experience)

• Performance Bonus tied to:

• Production

• Team KPIs

• Client growth

• Upside Potential : Leadership track into Director / Partner role

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Why This Role Is Different

• You will lead, not just review

• You will be involved in real tax strategy, not just compliance

• You will help build a top-tier boutique firm model

• You will work with high-quality clients (not volume-driven returns)

• You will have direct impact on firm growth and systems

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Ideal Candidate Profile (What “A Players” Look Like Here)

• Thinks like an owner, not an employee

• Obsessed with accuracy and efficiency

• Strong communicator with confidence in client meetings

• Enjoys mentoring and building teams

• Wants to grow into a leadership role